Indian Students from Punjab and Gujarat Hit Visa Roadblocks in Canada and Australia
Recent reports reveal that students from Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana seeking to study in countries like Canada and Australia are experiencing increased visa rejections. This trend is attributed to these nations tightening their immigration policies, particularly inspecting students from specific Indian states.
The Australian High Commission in India mentions that the scrutiny aims to “restore integrity” in their education sector. Experts believe that some students might be using the student visa route as a means to immigrate, prompting countries to impose stricter rules. In Canada’s case, their asylum policies make it easier for individuals to enter the country legally and seek asylum, further complicating the issue.
Cases of visa fraud have also contributed to this rise in rejections. After the COVID-19 pandemic, net migration figures surged, leading countries to reassess their visa processes. Although specific state-wise rejection data isn’t available, patterns indicate that students from Punjab and Haryana face higher rejection rates in Canada, while Australia has previously restricted student visas from Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
A significant portion of Indian students applying for Canadian student visas come from Punjab. In 2023, out of the 2.25 lakh Indian students accepted in Canada, 1.35 lakh were from Punjab. However, concerns over fraudulent documents have led to tighter scrutiny. Last June, nearly 700 Indian students, predominantly from Punjab, were on the brink of deportation due to fake admission letters. This evolving situation highlights the challenges that Indian students from these regions face when pursuing education abroad, underscoring the need for transparency and genuine applications to avoid complications.
